MadOut 2: Grand Auto Racing

Introduction

In the expansive and ever-evolving world of mobile gaming, few titles have managed to emulate the success and open-world chaos of the Grand Theft Auto franchise. However, MadOut 2: Grand Auto Racing, developed by MadOut Games and Vladislav Ivanchuk, comes remarkably close—especially when you consider it’s available on mobile platforms. This game is often referred to as the “GTA for mobile,” but is that really a fair comparison? In this in-depth 2000-word review, we’ll explore the gameplay, graphics, missions, vehicle mechanics, community feedback, and what makes MadOut 2 both impressive and, at times, flawed.

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A Quick Overview

MadOut 2: Grand Auto Racing is an open-world sandbox game set in a fictional post-Soviet cityscape. The game combines car racing, crime-driven missions, chaotic shootouts, and massive multiplayer functionality in one giant 10×10 km world. It’s available on Android, iOS, and Windows platforms and supports up to 200 players in online mode.

The game features:

• An enormous open world to explore.

• Over 60 customizable vehicles.

• Story-based and side missions.

• Online multiplayer with real players.

• Elements of car combat and RPG mechanics.

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The Setting: Welcome to Post-Soviet Mayhem

The world of MadOut 2 isn’t a glossy, Western-style metropolis. Instead, it throws players into an atmospheric, Eastern European-inspired setting filled with cracked roads, industrial zones, abandoned buildings, and rural neighborhoods. This gritty backdrop adds a unique character to the game.

Unlike traditional racing games that stick to tracks and boundaries, MadOut 2 lets players roam freely—off-roading through dirt trails, crashing through fences, or jumping rooftops. It’s more than just a driving game; it’s a chaotic simulation of freedom.

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Gameplay Mechanics

1. Driving and Racing

Driving is central to MadOut 2. The game features dozens of vehicles ranging from beat-up sedans and off-roaders to supercars, tanks, motorcycles, and even helicopters. Handling varies significantly between vehicles—muscle cars offer speed but poor control, while 4x4s perform well off-road.

Controls are smooth but arcade-like, with options for tilt, buttons, or steering wheel input. Races can happen formally through missions or randomly in free roam.

2. Combat and Chaos

Combat is surprisingly detailed for a mobile title. Players can:

• Carry pistols, SMGs, rifles, and grenades.

• Engage in drive-by shootouts.

• Enter buildings and engage in on-foot gunfights.

• Customize vehicles with mounted weapons (in select missions and modes).

The gunplay may not match AAA console titles, but it offers enough dynamism to make every mission unpredictable.

3. Multiplayer Mayhem

One of the game’s standout features is its online multiplayer mode, where up to 200 players can inhabit the same map. Players can form gangs, take over territories, roleplay, or just wreak havoc. Common multiplayer activities include:

• Gang wars.

• Street racing tournaments.

• Police chases with real players acting as cops.

• Freestyle exploration and stunts.

Multiplayer adds a layer of unpredictability and creativity that dramatically increases replayability.

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Missions and Progression

The single-player mode features over 30 missions, ranging from simple delivery jobs and race events to heists, shootouts, and escapes. Missions are accessed via the in-game map or triggered by interacting with NPCs.

Types of Missions:

• Race Events: Compete against AI or players in structured racing circuits.

• Criminal Jobs: Robbery, smuggling, or assassination-style missions.

• Delivery Tasks: Carry packages or passengers within time limits.

• Freelance Work: Random side tasks like taxi services, courier runs, etc.

Completing missions earns you in-game currency, XP, and unlocks better vehicles and upgrades.

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Vehicles and Customization

1. Vehicle Variety

With over 60+ vehicles, MadOut 2 offers an extensive collection. Some categories include:

• Street Cars – Classic sedans, coupes, and hatchbacks.

• Sports Cars – High-speed exotics with sleek designs.

• SUVs & Off-Roaders – Built for cross-country performance.

• Motorcycles – Agile but vulnerable.

• Military Vehicles – Tanks and APCs (in select modes).

• Aircraft – Helicopters (unlocked later in progression or multiplayer).

2. Customization Options

Players can modify:

• Engine performance (top speed, acceleration).

• Brakes and suspension.

• Paint jobs and decals.

• Weapon attachments (in specific game modes).

• Nitrous boosts and turbo mods.

This level of tuning allows players to tailor vehicles to their driving style, whether they prefer speed, off-road control, or balanced handling.

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Graphics and Sound Design

Despite being a mobile-first game, MadOut 2 impresses with its visuals. Running on Unity, it delivers:

• Dynamic lighting and shadows.

• Day/night cycle and weather effects.

• Realistic car damage models.

• Urban and rural environmental detail.

The textures may not rival PC or console games, but on high settings, it looks impressive—especially considering the size of the open world.

Audio Design is decent, with:

• Engine sounds changing per car.

• Gunfire and explosion effects.

• Ambient city and nature sounds.

• Voice lines for missions (though limited).

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Controls and User Interface

The game offers multiple control options:

• On-screen buttons for gas, brake, weapon fire, and steering.

• Gyroscope support for tilt-based control.

• External controller compatibility on some versions.

The UI is relatively clean but can feel cluttered on small screens. Menus for maps, missions, shops, and vehicle upgrades are accessible but might take some getting used to.

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Community and Online Culture

The MadOut 2 community is highly active, especially in multiplayer. Many players participate in unofficial events like:

• Roleplay servers (e.g., police vs. criminals).

• Drag racing tournaments.

• Drift challenges.

• YouTube content creation around mods, glitches, and funny moments.

Reddit and Discord are full of players sharing tips, vehicle builds, and mission guides. Some also complain about bugs or unbalanced features (which we’ll discuss next).

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Criticism and Common Issues

Despite its many strengths, MadOut 2 has received fair criticism:

1. Bugs and Glitches

• Cars getting stuck in terrain.

• Mission scripts failing to trigger.

• NPCs behaving unpredictably.

• Desync in multiplayer.

These bugs don’t break the game entirely, but they can be frustrating—especially during intense missions.

2. Monetization Model

Although the game is free-to-play, it contains in-app purchases for currency, vehicles, and skins. Some players argue that expensive vehicles are locked behind either long grinds or real-money purchases.

Example: A powerful car might cost 16 million in-game currency, requiring hours of grinding or a premium shortcut.

3. Device Performance

On low-end phones, MadOut 2 may suffer from:

• Frame drops.

• Long loading times.

• Frequent crashes in multiplayer.

High-end devices handle the game smoothly, but optimization remains a concern for older or budget smartphones.

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Comparison to GTA

It’s impossible not to compare MadOut 2 with Grand Theft Auto, especially GTA: San Andreas or GTA V. So how do they stack up?

Verdict: MadOut 2 isn’t a full GTA replacement, but it’s the closest a mobile game gets—especially in terms of freedom and online interaction.

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Tips for New Players

1. Start Small – Don’t rush to buy expensive cars. Learn the map and controls first.

2. Complete Missions – They’re the fastest way to earn cash and unlock better features.

3. Use Map Markers – The world is huge. Use the map to navigate effectively.

4. Avoid Police Early – Law enforcement is aggressive. Until you’re well-armed, avoid conflict.

5. Experiment in Multiplayer – Join roleplay servers, try out events, and collaborate with friends.

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Final Thoughts

MadOut 2: Grand Auto Racing is not a perfect game, but it’s an ambitious one. For a mobile title, it delivers a level of freedom, depth, and chaos rarely seen on handheld devices. Whether you enjoy racing, shooting, exploring, or online roleplay, there’s something here for everyone.